ABSOLUTE FLASH #12 (DC COMICS)
The demon has been unleashed on Fort Fox!
THAWNE has been brought back by his granddaughter Elenore and is bringing Hell with him. Rudy West is caught in the beast’s path! Wally West is back from the Speed Force and just in the nick of time! Who is going to win this match-up?
ABSOLUTE FLASH #12 by Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles, A. L. Kaplan, Adriano Lucas & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS) brings the action in this timeless match-up.
Let’s get ringside and see how this plays out!
ABSOLUTE FLASH #12 by Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles, A. L. Kaplan, Adriano Lucas & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lemire gives readers an arc finale to remember with this issue. The meeting with Thawne steers directing into a head-on collision. It carries the weight of the world on its’ shoulder. The writing also takes time to give side characters some spotlight. Both Grodd and the Rogues get key moments in between the fight. Their portion helps amplify the chaos swirling around Fort Fox. They serve as a good lead-in for the real main event.
Once the battle gets moving, it runs very fluid. The writing sprinkles in emotional points with Wally and his father. Readers can appreciate the thread being tied up with all they’ve gone through. It’s paced out just enough to give the next round more gravity. Lemire isn’t tentative about showcasing Wally’s inexperience. This is a match-up he’s clearly not ready for. The momentum carries into the final act with much energy behind it. Lemire orchestrates a costly decision which shakes everything up. It is easily the strongest point of the chapter. Readers can’t help but be caught up in the moment. This leads into a somber close for a character in search of a new direction. The epilogues tie up loose ends before starting Year Two next chapter. Excellent finish.
The art team opens with a near full image of Wally facing down the Demon Thawne. This runs directly into a two page splash that starts off the action. It makes a loud noise before turning over the attention to Grodd’s story. Readers watch as a bittersweet moment plays out. This feeling leans into Wally’s time with his dad. Panels are filled with emotion before a series of two page spreads start up the definitive round between Thawne and West.
There’s no holding back on Thawne’s brutal attack. His panels shine with the pure rage pouring out. This helps to set up a crucial point in the conflict. A strong two page spread caps off events with a shocking move. You can sense the room escape the room as what happened sinks in. This leads into a variety of directions until it halts with a quiet short panel. The image makes a loud statement before heading into the epilogues. Readers see how all key players get their stories closed with ample book time. A fitting end to a very engaging tale.
FINAL POINT: 8.8
Wally West’s fight with Thawne comes at a grave cost with Fort Fox’s fate on the line. Lemire’s writing delivers on action and emotional pulls. The art team swings big with balancing out the fight and its’ tremendous fallout. The Absolute Universe hits again for a huge win!
Let me know your thoughts on ABSOLUTE FLASH #12 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
